On Saturday, his expedition organising company Elite Exped announced that all members of the team, which also included Pakistani climber Sohail Sakhi, had died.

The bodies of three climbers were recovered by then, as well as the remains believed to be of a climber from the United States, Naila Kiani of the ACP told Dawn on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the ACP announced in a statement that Purja’s body had been found.

“The Alpine Club of Pakistan shares this update with profound sorrow. The ground rescue team has reached Nirmal Purja ‘Nims Dai’ at approximately 5,700m on Broad Peak, where three additional bodies have also been sighted, though their identities remain unconfirmed. The ground team will bring the bodies down to the Japanese camp.

“Recovery efforts continue under extremely difficult terrain conditions. This information reflects preliminary field reports and remains subject to further confirmation. We urge the public to await official updates before sharing unverified details,” the statement said.

In a subsequent post, the organisation said three other bodies, identified as China’s Wang Zhong and Nepal’s Nima Sherpa and Kili Pemba Sherpa, had also been recovered.

The “four identified climbers are currently being brought down to Camp 1 (C1) and downwards by the ground rescue team,” the post said.

It said ACP continued to monitor the ongoing recovery operation on Broad Peak, and rescuers had also “confirmed the presence of one additional body at a significantly higher elevation”.

However, “due to the extremely hazardous terrain and prevailing conditions, it is unlikely that a recovery attempt will be made at this stage,” it added.

Prior to the announcements, ACP General Secretary Ayaz Shigri told Dawn that the ground rescue team was heading towards the advanced base camp on the mountain to carry out the operation. He said that the mountain’s terrain, risk of avalanches and steep slopes were posing challenges in the way of rescue efforts, adding that helicopters could not be employed due to weather conditions.

Later, the ACP said in a statement that an eight-member ground team, comprising climbers from Pakistan and Nepal, reached Camp 1 (C1) before 9am. “They will conduct a search and recovery mission on the slopes of Broad Peak under extremely difficult conditions,” the statement added.

Purja’s expedition team included 10 members, including him. Six of them were Nepalese while there was one each from Pakistan, Oman, the US and China.

The bodies of two climbers, Oman’s Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy and Nepal’s Pur Bahadur Gurung, were recovered on Friday, as well as the remains believed to be of American climber Sarah Mallory Geis. On Saturday, the body of Nepal’s Gyalu Sherpa was also recovered, ACP President Irfan Arshad told Dawn.

Kiani told Dawn that on Saturday, five other bodies were also spotted on Broad Peak through aerial reconnaissance.

Rising 8,051 metres, Broad Peak is the world’s 12th-highest mountain and a technically difficult climb.

Seven years before setting out to summit it, Purja had climbed Annapurna, the 10th-highest mountain in the world, in 2019. He then began taking on other 8,000-metre peaks.

He set a record for the fastest ascent of the world’s 14 highest mountains, completing the feat in six months in 2019. He became widely known internationally after the Netflix documentary chronicling his journey, ‘14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible’, was released two years later.

The 43-year-old climber also served in the British military with the Gurkhas and ​later in special forces.

Elite climbers said Purja was a “charismatic, colourful” character. “If we talk about his ​legacy, it’s hard not to focus on how he was at the forefront of shaking up the high altitude guiding,” British climber Kenton Cool, who has climbed Everest 20 ​times, the most by a non-Sherpa, told Reuters on Saturday.

In its announcement of the rescue team reaching Purja’s body, the ACP remembered him as a “man who made the impossible possible”.

“He carried the Nepali flag to the highest points on Earth with pride, and his achievements brought new recognition to Nepal’s climbing community […] But his impact reached far beyond any one nation, more than the records themselves, he gave people everywhere a reason to believe that the impossible was simply something no one had dared attempt hard enough yet, inspiring dreamers and climbers across the globe to chase what once seemed unreachable.”

The statement said, “His loss on the very mountains he so loved is a devastating blow to the global mountaineering family. But his legacy of pushing limits, of proving that the impossible is only impossible until someone dares to do it, will endure in every climber, everywhere, who follows the trail he blazed.

“Our deepest condolences go out to his family, loved ones, and the entire climbing community during this immensely difficult time. Rest well, Nims Dai.”

Additional input from Reuters

According to the police, the driver of a police van and a constable sustained minor injuries, while the vehicle itself sustained damage.

“Both the cops have been shifted to the hospital,” the city police spokesperson Alam Khan told Dawn.

The bomb disposal unit (BDU) reached the scene shortly after the incident was reported.

“It was a roadside IED explosion, and the bomb was planted in the green belt [next to the vehicle],” Peshawar Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Farhan Khan told Dawn.

He said the BDU was busy scanning the green belt for other devices, adding that both cops were stable and had only scratches on their bodies.

Peshawar Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Dr Mian Saeed Ahmed also visited the blast site and later met the injured at the Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar, who were identified as constables Haider Ali and Yousaf, according to a separate police statement.

The incident comes days after nine cops, including a deputy superintendent of police (DSP), were martyred and 28 others were injured in a terrorist attack on a checkpost in Hangu district.

On July 29, a policeman and four members of a village defence committee were martyred, while six terrorists were killed during a joint security operation in the mountainous areas of Swat’s Kabal and Matta tehsils.

According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies’ (PICSS) monthly security assessment, at least 112 security personnel lost their lives during July in terrorist attacks, the highest monthly toll since January 2023 and the second-highest recorded in more than a decade.

KP, excluding the merged districts, recorded 154 deaths in July, up from 75 in June, an increase of 105pc. The number of people injured rose from 60 to 98. Security personnel deaths in mainland KP increased from 12 to 38, while terrorist deaths rose by 192pc, from 37 to 108.

Security sources said the slain terrorist was identified as Amir Mauviya, and he was killed during an intelligence-based operation in Hangu’s Chapri Naryab.

According to the sources, the slain terrorist held an important position among Fitna-al-Khawarij in Kurram, and was wanted in several other terrorism cases.

Fitna-al-Khawarij is a term the state uses for the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan.

The sources added that under Operation 11 Garaj, operations against terrorists had been intensified.

The attack on the Khazina Banda checkpost had claimed the lives of nine police personnel, including a deputy superintendent of police, and left 28 injured. Police officials said an exchange of fire had broken out after the terrorists attacked the checkpost, and 15 terrorists were killed in retaliatory action.

More recently, two police personnel sustained minor injuries in an improvised explosive device explosion targeting a police van near Pir Zakorhi Bridge near the Peshawar-Islamabad motorway toll plaza on Sunday.

On July 29, a policeman was martyred and four terrorists were killed during an operation in Swat’s Matta tehsil, police and security sources said.

It was merely five days after a terrorist attack on a joint police checkpost in KP’s Tank district martyred 15 people, including 14 security personnel.

Among those martyred were 12 soldiers, two policemen and a government official, the military’s media affairs wing said.

It added that the attackers attempted to breach the checkpost’s perimeter, but their attempts were “swiftly and decisively foiled” by security forces, who eliminated 12 terrorists.

Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR) said the attackers then rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the perimeter wall and infrastructure at the checkpost was seriously damaged by the impact of the resulting blast.

Security personnel and law enforcers have been coming under attack in KP, which continues to face terrorism.

According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies’ (PICSS) monthly security assessment released on Saturday, Security personnel deaths in terrorism incidents in KP, excluding merged districts, increased from 12 in June to 38 in July and terrorist deaths from 37 to 108, reflecting a rise by 192pc. But civilian deaths fell from 26 to seven, a decline by 73pc. One peace committee member was also killed.

Security personnel deaths in merged districts rose from six to 11 and terrorist deaths fell from 72 to 55. Civilian deaths, meanwhile, rose by 86pc, increasing from seven to 13.

While gas is often thought to have a distinctive smell, it is in fact odourless. Gas suppliers deliberately add odorants to the gas as a safety measure to alert consumers to potentially life-threatening leaks.

In a media alert issued on Sunday, the SSGC said that odourants used to give gas its distinctive smell were added in larger quantities for testing purposes. This resulted in a stronger-than-usual smell, prompting reports of a gas leak from various parts of Karachi.

“The SSGC administration wishes to make it clear that all system pressures are normal and that no gas leak of any kind has been reported,” the statement said. “The smell is solely due to the relatively larger quantity of odourants added to the gas during the testing of the odourisation plants.”

The company requested its customers to remain calm and continue their regular activities.

Gas leaks can be life-threatening, causing explosions and fires as well as death by suffocation.

In January, three women suffocated to death, while another fainted in a gas leak incident in an apartment in Rawalpindi’s Bahria Town Phase VII.

According to official ECP statistics analysed by Dawn, the total number of registered voters fell from 137,163,857 on May 7 to 136,574,399 on July 2.

A senior ECP official said 895,000 new voters were enrolled during the period, but the deletion of around 1.48 million deceased voters resulted in a net decline of 589,458 voters nationwide.

The number of male voters dropped from 73,286,821 to 72,835,859, a decrease of 450,962, while female voters declined from 63,877,036 to 63,738,540, down by 138,496.

The reduction narrowed the gender gap among registered voters from about 941,000 to 910,000. Overall, 99 of the country’s 144 districts recorded a decline in registered voters, while 45 districts posted a net increase.

Punjab

Punjab accounted for the overwhelming share of the decline. The province lost 478,909 voters, with the total falling from 77,955,543 to 77,476,634, representing 81.2 per cent of the nationwide reduction.

Nine of the 10 districts with the largest declines were in Punjab.

According to ECP figures, Faisalabad recorded the largest decrease, with 41,264 voter entries removed, bringing the district’s total down from 56,18,044 to 55,76,780.

It was followed by Sheikhupura, with a decline of 31,783 voters, from 22,68,275 to 22,36,492; Gujranwala, with a drop of 30,302 voters, from 29,79,820 to 29,49,518; and Sialkot, which lost 30,129 voters, bringing the number down from 29,84,882 to 29,54,753.

The number of voters in Gujrat dropped by 29,553, followed by Sargodha with a decline of 26,675, Multan with 26,420, Kasur with 24,367 and Bahawalpur with 22,259.

Likewise, Khanewal saw a decline of 19,504 voters, Rahim Yar Khan 18,574, Lahore 16,633, Narowal 15,914, Toba Tek Singh 15,395, Rawalpindi 13,577, Mandi Bahauddin 13,480 and Attock 11,180.

The number of voters in Nankana Sahib and Muzaffargarh declined by over 10,000 each. Another nine districts saw a decrease of over 5,000 each. These included Okara, which saw a decline of 9,784 voters; Khushab, 8,226; Chakwal, 7,377; Dera Ghazi Khan, 6,755; Wazirabad, 6,723; Rajanpur, 6,621; Kot Addu, 6,358; Lodhran, 6,348; and Chiniot, 5,396.

Sindh

Sindh recorded the second-largest provincial decline, losing 97,216 voters, with the total dropping from 28,772,963 to 28,675,747.

Karachi South recorded the largest decline in the province, with 20,243 fewer voters, making it the only non-Punjab district among the top 10 districts with the biggest declines.

The number of voters in the district fell from 13,30,682 to 13,10,439. It was followed by Karachi East, where the removal of 16,873 voters brought the total down from 18,15,780 to 17,98,907. Keamari lost 9,983 voters, Karachi West 8,394, Hyderabad 7,573, Khairpur 7,228 and Sanghar 6,240.

KP

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) recorded a comparatively small net decline of 9,046 voters, with the provincial total falling from 23,415,995 to 23,406,949. However, it was the only province where more districts recorded gains than losses.

In overall terms, the province lost 9,049 voters, accounting for 1.53 per cent of the total decline. While the number of male voters slipped by 16,884, the number of female voters increased by 7,838.

Haripur lost 4,978 votes, followed by Abbottabad with 4,182, Charsadda with 3,946, Kohat with 3,352, Nowshera with 3,313, Lower Dir with 3,153 and DI Khan with 2,895.

Other districts to have lost over 2,000 votes included Mardan, Hangu and Bannu.

Balochistan

In Balochistan, the number of voters declined by 2,226, accounting for a 0.38pc decrease. The total fell from 57,65,008 to 57,62,782, reducing the number of male voters by 6,518 while increasing the number of female voters by 4,292.

Loralai and Sibi saw declines of 1,048 and 1,025, respectively. Most districts recorded marginal changes, restricted to two or three digits.

Islamabad Capital Territory saw a small decline of 2,061 voters, from 12,54,348 to 12,52,287. Those removed from the electoral rolls comprised 1,118 men and 940 women.

Despite the overall decline, 45 districts recorded an increase in registered voters between May 7 and July 2. KP led the gains, with 20 of its 36 districts adding voters. Of Balochistan’s 36 districts, 13 saw an increase, while nine of Sindh’s 30 districts recorded a rise in voter numbers. In Punjab, only three of the province’s 41 districts witnessed an increase in the voter count.

In KP, the biggest increase was recorded in Peshawar, which added 4,835 voters, taking the total from 22,46,457 to 22,51,292. Other major gains in the province included Bajaur with 3,797, Lower Dir with 3,153, Buner with 1,738 and Mansehra with 1,603. Other districts with increases of over 1,000 included Malakand, Khyber and South Waziristan (Lower).

In Balochistan, Quetta remained ahead with an increase of 4,052 voters, followed by Pishin, which saw an addition of 2,523 voters. In 11 other districts, the increase ranged between 65 and 573.

Sindh also saw growth in nine districts. Karachi Central recorded the highest increase in the province, with 4,428 new voters, rising from 22,60,158 to 22,64,586. Jacobabad gained 3,928 voters, Ghotki 2,479, Naushahro Feroze 2,103 and Korangi 1,024. Other districts with nominal growth included Larkana, Malir, Tharparkar and Thatta.

In Punjab, only three districts saw gains, which were offset by much larger deletions elsewhere. The largest increase was recorded in Bahawalnagar, where the number of voters surged by 16,094, from 20,12,083 in May to 20,28,177 in July, followed by Sahiwal with 4,755 and Vehari with 1,089.

Polling began at 8am and continued till 5pm for the refugee seats, while the process concluded at 6pm in Muzaffarabad after an hour-long extension.

The electoral process in LA-27 (Muzaffarabad-I) was postponed due to heavy rain, AJK Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal said, DawnNewsTV reported.

Over 300 candidates were in the fray for the Muzaffarabad seats and the 12 seats for refugees settled in different regions.

What has happened so far:

• Polling suspended in LA-27 due to rain; 4 other seats up for grabs in Muzaffarabad district, 2 each in Neelum and Jhelum Valley
• Voting underway across country for 12 refugee seats — 7 in Punjab, other 5 divided between different provinces
• Bilawal condemns ‘attack’ on party’s regional president, says PPP worker died in LA-31
• PPP alleges electoral malpractices at some polling stations in at least 11 constituencies

Continuing his rigging allegations, PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Sunday accused the PML-N of “robbing” votes in the second phase of the AJK elections as well.

In a post on X later in the day, he condemned an “attack” on party’s regional president Chaudhry Latif Akbar — also the candidate for LA-31 (Muzaffarabad-V).

Accusing “miscreant elements of the PML-N” of being behind the incident, Bilawal said PPP worker Mushtaq Shah was killed in the same constituency.

“The PML-N is robbing the votes of the people of Azad Kashmir through bullets, batons and coercion,” he alleged.

The PPP chairman demanded that those responsible for the attack on Akbar and the “murderers” of the party worker be arrested immediately.

In a separate statement, Bilawal said, “The PML-N has crossed all limits. Attacks are taking place on our voters and the president of the state (AJK).”

He remarked that in Muzaffarabad, the PPP’s “politics of dignity and principles was in contest with the PML-N’s threat, rigging and coercion”.

The PPP shared a complaint written to the Election Commission regarding a “physical assault” on Akbar.

The party said the LA-31 candidate was “engaged in the electoral process on polling day” when the alleged incident took place, accusing three individuals.

It said a first information report (FIR) was being registered and urged the Election Commission to order an inquiry into the “security lapse” that resulted in the incident.

AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, who belongs to the PPP, took notice of the incident and ordered the chief secretary and the police chief to take those responsible to justice.

The AJK PM termed the attack “a slap on the politics of dignity and principle in Kashmir”.

Akbar also wrote two letters to the Election Commission. In one, he alleged that an attempt on his life was made at Polling Station 177 “by PML-N workers” and wrote of the PPP worker’s death.

He further claimed that his polling agents were not allowed to “sit in the polling area” at 14 polling stations.

In the second letter, Akbar said PPP leader Syed Mumtaz Hussain Naqvi sustained bullet wounds in a “[murderous] attack” at a polling station in a building.

Addressing a press conference, PPP leader Nayyer Hussain Bukhari claimed that eight party workers had been injured in the ongoing elections so far.

and decried the “state of lawlessness” during the election process.

Polls in AJK are being held in three phases over security concerns, with the first set of polls held in Mirpur division on July 27, the second held today, and the third phase set for August 10 across Poonch division.

Ahead of today’s elections, internet services were restored in parts of Muzaffarabad division after remaining suspended for 54 days on July 29. At the time, it was not clear whether the restoration covered the entire division or was limited to the state capital.

Addressing the media on Sunday, the AJK CEC said that a letter had been written yesterday to request the restoration of internet services.

He added that the outcome would be known today, without providing further details.

“We will work according to the law; we will not come under pressure from anyone,” CEC Mughal said while responding to a question.

PPP alleges electoral malpractices

On Sunday, the PPP alleged electoral malpractices shortly after polling commenced, with several of the complaints claiming its polling agents at some stations were not allowed to observe the voting process.

At 2pm, the party also wrote a separate letter to the Election Commission requesting follow-up on 25 complaints filed by it regarding 11 constituencies.

The PPP said it had not received any formal written response or acknowledgement from the electoral watchdog on the status of any of the 25 complaints.

“Given the gravity, number and geographical spread of the violations documented, the Party respectfully submits that a formal response from the Commission is now overdue and urgently required.”

On the other hand, the PML-N’s social media posts revolved around voters across Muzaffarabad and Punjab showing up to cast ballots with “enthusiasm”.

Several posts highlighted that a large number of voters were flocking to its election camps with those of other parties PML-N’s election camps with election camps of the PPP.

The PML-N also wrote to the Election Commission in response to a PPP complaint about LA-40 (Valley-I), terming the latter’s allegations against its candidate Muhammad Naeem Khan as “baseless”.

In the letter, seen by Dawn, the PML-N asserted that the allegations “regarding administrative failures are unsubstantiated and appear to be an attempt to create unnecessary controversy around the polling process”.

The PML-N urged the electoral watchdog to ensure that “no misleading or politically motivated complaint is allowed to undermine public confidence in the integrity of the polling”.

‘Ballot stuffing’

At a polling station in LA-32 (Muzaffarabad-VI), the PPP accused PML-N supporters of “ballot stuffing”. It further said that a government employee had been deployed as a polling agent for the PML-N at a separate polling station.

In LA-30 (Muzaffarabad-IV), the PPP claimed PML-N workers removed a ballot box at the Banaw Langah polling station and placed it outside, where they were allegedly “stamping ballot papers”.

In Charakhpora Union Council of LA-31 (Muzaffarabad-V), the PPP said “bogus voting” was taking place at the Sharik Kamal Bandi-Khalsa polling station.

The party said the alleged act “directly subverts the integrity of the poll”, adding that the polling station also did not have adequate security despite being declared “sensitive”.

The PPP also alleged a PML-N MPA at a polling station in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Abbottabad of obstructing the voting process for the refugee seat of LA-45 (Kashmir-VI).

In LA-25 (Neelum-I), the PPP said the voting process at a polling station had been halted after reports emerged of PML-N supporters tearing up ballot papers.

The PPP also said its polling agents at a polling station in LA-25’s Khawaja Sari reported that “fraudulent votes are being cast” there. It urged the Election Commission to dispatch officials and law enforcement to halt the alleged action.

‘Polling agents excluded’

The party alleged that its polling agents were not allowed to sit at polling stations for refugee seat LA-34 (Jammu-I) in Cantonment and Lahore’s Sheranwala Gate, calling on the Election Commission to intervene.

The PPP wrote to the electoral watchdog about a similar complaint emerging from a polling station in Janabad, Sargodha, for LA-34.

Sharing another letter addressed to the Election Commission about LA-34, the PPP said “elected members” of the PML-N were present inside a Pakpattan polling station and “stamping ballot papers”.

It further claimed that its polling agent was “barred from entering the same polling station”.

“The deliberate exclusion of the PPP’s oversight representative while PML-N’s own elected officials conduct fraud inside the station is not a coincidence — it is a coordinated strategy to commit electoral fraud without any independent witness,” it alleged.

The party urged the electoral watchdog to dispatch law enforcement to the polling station and remove the PML-N supporters allegedly involved in “ballot stuffing”.

Regarding LA-42 (Valley-III), the PPP filed a complaint over party candidate Asim Sharif Butt’s polling agent being “physically prevented” from entering a polling station in Muzaffargarh’s Alipur Tehsil.

The PPP also claimed its polling agents at three polling stations in LA-30 (Muzaffarabad-IV) were denied from observing the electoral process.

Similarly, the party said polling agents of candidate Ishfaq Zaffar were not permitted to take their seats at three polling stations in LA-32 (Muzaffarabad-VI).

Terming it a “serious violation” of the electoral code of conduct, the PPP sought disciplinary action against the presiding officers who allegedly refused the agents from discharging their duties.

At one of those polling stations, the PPP claimed a “violent confrontation” was underway between supporters of PML-N candidate Raja Farooq Haider and PPP supporters.

Other issues

In a separate statement in the morning, the party claimed that no polling staff was present at any of the 196 polling stations in LA-27, adding that this raised the concern that there was a “deliberate” attempt to delay the polling.

Similarly, the party alleged that polling staff had reached late at 71 polling stations of LA-28, due to which the voting process was facing delays. The PPP claimed that a similar situation was being witnessed at several polling stations of LA-30, where polling staff had not arrived on time.

Regarding LA-31, the PPP said it had written to the Election Commission on behalf of its candidate Akbar, urging it to take action over difficulties faced by voters due to the closure of the Rangla-Katkair Road in Muzaffarabad.

The party said over 50 vehicles carrying voters were stuck due to the road’s closure.

PML-N slams ‘blame game’

Earlier in the day, PML-N leader and Kashmir Affairs Minister Amir Muqam called on political parties not to indulge in a “blame game”.

“Nothing is to be gained from a blame game,” he said during a press conference in Islamabad, adding that law enforcement personnel were also deployed to ensure security.

“They should not act in a manner that ‘why was I not given seats’,” Muqam said, stressing that it was the public whose votes allocate seats.

The minister urged all political parties to let the electoral process take place in a peaceful manner, stressing that making allegations without evidence cannot change the results.

At the same time, Muqam also highlighted “arbitrary transfers and administrative decisions” in AJK, where the PPP is in power. He said the moves “seemed discriminatory”.

He recalled that the PML-N had accepted the results of elections in Gilgit-Baltistan held in June, where the PPP emerged the winner and formed the government.

Defending the results from Mirpur, Muqam asserted that the people voted for PML-N due to its performance.

On the other hand, PPP leader Nadeem Afzal Chan also held a press conference where he called on the Election Commission to play its role in “proving” the election process in AJK to be free and fair.

“Azad Kashmir is an international issue … people’s eyes are on it,” the former MNA said, adding that if the commission did not recognise the public and assure a free election, “tomorrow we will not be able to ratify this election under any circumstance”.

He recalled that after the Mirpur polls, there was a detailed discussion within the party about boycotting the second and third phases. However, the party leadership refused the idea of a boycott.

Chan cautioned that if the PPP was “compelled” to move towards such steps for the third phase, it would benefit those who wanted to prove the election “dirty”.

“I see this becoming an ultra Form-47 election,” he said.

He said that in negotiations in Muzaffarabad, the PPP had provided proof of rigging in four constituencies, as well as agreeing to hold re-polling in any other constituencies in which there were objections.

He also called for a benchmark for voting, saying, “General polling was less than 30 per cent. But wherever you won, it was 80pc, 90pc, 75pc … this doesn’t even happen in urban cities like Islamabad and Lahore.”

‘Admission of rigging’

The PPP and the PML-N — coalition partners in the Centre — have been engaged in a war of words since the PML-N emerged in the lead during the first phase of polls. The PPP has accused the PML-N of rigging in Mirpur and demanded re-polling.

Scuffles, violence and allegations of rigging had marred the polls in Mirpur, with the PML-N and PPP accusing each other of electoral malpractice.

To defuse the tensions, senior leaders of both parties met multiple times in Azad Kashmir over the weekend to “explore a legal resolution” to the dispute. The latest round of talks followed two earlier meetings on Thursday and Friday.

A PML-N source told Dawn that discussions focused on the PPP’s allegations and its demand for re-polling in certain constituencies. “It was not planned or pre-planned rigging but isolated acts at places where supporters of one candidate enjoyed numerical dominance over their opponents. Such incidents have unfortunately been part of the territory’s polling atmosphere and have also been witnessed in previous elections,” the source quoted the PML-N leaders as telling their counterparts.

Referring to this statement in a X post on Sunday, Bilawal said: “Despite this admission from the rigging party, the [EC] has still failed to take action on our complaints from phase 1. Had they done so, the credibility of today’s phase 2 election would have been restored.

“The PPP reserves the right to protest and demand re-election in phases where rigging took place, and the election commission failed to act. We have already sent multiple written complaints about ballot stuffing and illegal removal of our polling agents in today’s election. It is hoped the election commission acts swiftly and at least maintains fairness in round 2.”

According to the sources, during meetings with the PML-N, PPP initially raised objections to the results in four constituencies — Charhoi, Sehnsa and Nakyal in Kotli district, and Barnala in Bhimber district during phase-I of the election. However, it later withdrew its allegations regarding Sehnsa and Barnala.

Saturday’s discussions centred on Charhoi, where PPP AJK President Chaudhry Yasin lost to PML-N’s Raja Riasat, and Nakyal, where PPP candidate Javed Iqbal Budhanvi was defeated by PML-N’s Raja Ayaz Ahmed.

Meanwhile, the Sharif family also held discussions at Jati Umra. According to a statement issued by the PM’s Office, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held consultations with his elder brother and PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif at Jati Umra to take stock of mounting political challenges, including the rift with the PPP over the AJK elections.

A senior PML-N leader told Dawn that the party leadership had taken serious note of the PPP chairman’s increasingly combative rhetoric against the Sharif family over the AJK polls and his warning that the PPP could reconsider its support for the federal government if the remaining phases of the elections were manipulated in favour of the PML-N.

Election numbers

According to the AJK Election Commission, 207 candidates are in the fray for the nine constituencies in Muzaffarabad division, comprising five seats in Muzaffarabad district and two each in Neelum and Jhelum Valley districts.

Another 137 candidates are contesting the 12 refugee constituencies, including six seats representing refugees from the Kashmir Valley and six from Jammu.

A total of 809,621 voters are registered in Muzaffarabad division, while the 12 refugee constituencies have a combined electorate of 438,834. According to the commission, 1,483 polling stations have been established across Muzaffarabad division, of which 533 have been declared highly sensitive, 741 sensitive and 209 normal. Another 1,057 polling stations have been set up for the 12 refugee constituencies.

Out of 12 refugee seats, seven seats are in Punjab, one seat is in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, one seat (Jammu-VI) is divided between Pun­jab, Islamabad and KP, one seat is divided between Sindh and Balo­chistan (Valley-I), and one seat (Jammu-I) is shared among refugees living in Balochistan, Punjab and Sindh. Valley-V seat is divided between Punjab and Islamabad.

In Rawalpindi and Islamabad, about 27,000 registered male and female voters will elect lawmakers for LA-43 (Valley-IV), LA-44 (Valley-V), and LA-39 (Jammu-VI) seats. A total of 175 polling stations have been established, out of which 18 polling stations in Rawalpindi have been declared sensitive. A total of 34 candidates are in the fray.

In Gujrat, almost 2,000 policemen will perform security duties at scores of polling stations for the LA-38 elections. The total number of polling stations in these districts is 115, with 75 in Gujrat, 24 in Wazirabad and 16 in Mandi Bahauddin. The total number of voters is 50,225 in the entire constituency. As many as 11 candidates are contesting this seat.

In Sindh, officials said the elections will be conducted on LA-34 (Jammu-I) and LA-40 (Kashmir Valley-I) with polling stations established across Karachi and other districts of Sindh.

In LA-34 (Jammu-I), a total of 17 candidates are contesting the election, which has 698 registered voters in Karachi’s seven districts and 477 voters in 13 other districts of Sindh. For LA-40 Kashmir (Valley-I), 11 candidates are in the race. The constituency has 4,200 registered voters in Karachi and 403 voters in 17 other districts of Sindh.

In Balochistan, seven polling booths have been established across the province for the Kashmir Valley-I constituency, where 1,174 registered voters are expected to cast their ballots. Balochistan shares this seat with Sindh.

For the Jammu-I constituency, six polling booths have been set up, with a total of 182 registered voters, including 85 men and 97 women, eligible to vote. Polling stations have been established for AJK refugee voters residing in Balochistan at various locations, including Quetta, Pishin, Qila Saifullah, Hub, Loralai, Sibi, Mastung, Zhob and Barkhan.

In KP, 41 polling stations, mostly in Swat and Mansehra, have been set up for the LA-45 (Kashmir VI) seat.

Additional input from Ameer Hamza and Mohammad Asghar

He also urged him to bring a “revolution” in the Pakistan Cricket Board, which Naqvi heads in addition to the interior ministry.

Speaking at the Pakistan Economic Summit on Thursday, Naqvi had said the governance system in the country had “collapsed” and argued that the country needed new administrative units, or provinces, to improve service delivery, accountability and access to justice. He had also said new leadership was needed in the country and argued that the youth wanted justice, merit and jobs rather than stipends and laptops.

A day later, the military’s spokesperson also urged political parties to consider an administrative reset for improving governance, arg­uing that the country’s security and stability depe­nded on adapting its governance structure to the requirements of modern times and a growing population.

Speaking at a news conference, Inter-Services Public Relations Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said governance had long been identified by the military as a prerequisite for nat­ional security. Further recalling the NAP adopted after the 2014 Army Public School attack, he said its 14-point agenda, unanimously endor­sed by political parties, had also rested on effective governance.

On Saturday, Asif reacted to Naqvi’s suggestion in an X post, in which he also mentioned the DG ISPR’s remarks.

“Mohsin Naqvi’s sahib expressed his views on the dire state of the system. I more or less personally agree with these views,” he said, calling the interior minister a “powerhouse”.

Asif added that as a political worker, he too strongly felt the process of the system’s evolution had been “held captive to factional and personal interests for decades, and it needs to be freed”.

He said he had a few requests in this regard, adding: “If the system has to be strengthened and a fundamental change has to be brought about, its forum is Parliament, of which Naqvi sahib is a member. Or this matter could be discussed in the cabinet.

“This way, these institutions and the system would strengthen, and the change would be brought about through a constitutional process.”

Asif went on to point out Naqvi was also a member of the cabinet, further claiming that he rarely attended parliamentary and cabinet sessions.

He said: “In my opinion, [treating] these institutions as irrelevant and making such a big statement to a captive audience after inviting the country’s eminent and respected businessmen doesn’t carry the same weight that speaking at the relevant constitutional forums would have earned.”

Asif said Naqvi had been on a “very powerful post” of the system for the past three years. “Had he wanted, he could have spoken about a change in the system or made progress on it during this time,” he said, moving to cite the DG ISPR’s remarks during Friday’s press briefing.

The defence minister said the military’s spokesperson had referred to the NAP.

“The implementation of one of its points, which is the armed forces’ responsibility, is being done by sacrificing lives. The implementation of the remaining 12 points is the interior ministry’s responsibility, but they have not been implemented.

“Mohsin Naqvi sahib, begin the change in the system with the implementation of NAP; begin the change in the system with your ministry. Not just the respected business community, the entire nation is with you,” he added.

In a subsequent post, Asif further stated: “Naqvi sahib, systems keep evolving all the time and they should. As an example, bring about a revolution in the PCB; cricket fans are not satisfied with PCB’s performance.”

He added that in PCB, “power is entirely in your hands. There is neither any prime minister, nor parliament, nor any outdated system as an obstacle”.

Naqvi’s call for a reset of the system and creation of more administrative units has sparked a debate in the country, with the PPP referring the question to its top decision-making forum, the Sindh chief minister flatly rejecting it, Lahore’s lawyers terming it unconstitutional and Sindhi nationalist groups demanding the minister’s resignation.

In the recent past, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) — also an ally of the PML-N-led ruling coalition — has repeatedly demanded that Karachi be designated a province separate from Sindh. However, the PPP, which rules Sindh and is also an ally of the PML-N government at the Centre along with MQM-P, has strongly opposed the suggested move.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), meanwhile, said river flows, dams and barrages across Punjab were being monitored continuously. It warned that low-level flooding was currently being recorded in the Indus River at Kalabagh and Chashma and that the prevailing weather system was likely to persist until Aug 5.

According to the FFD, a well-marked low-pressure system over southeast Raja­s­­than in India, coupled with strong monsoon currents, is expected to trigger a widespread wet spell over central and eastern Punjab as well as parts of Sindh and Balochistan. The system is likely to produce heavy to very heavy rainfall through Aug 4, significantly increasing water flows in the eastern rivers — Sutlej, Ravi and Beas — and their major tributaries.

The division said water levels in the River Chenab at Head Marala, Khanki and Qadirabad were likely to rise to the low-to-medium flood category during the forecast period. However, exceptionally high inflows could push the river to a high flood level at Head Marala.

Chenab may reach high flood level at Marala; PDMA issues fresh monsoon safety advisory

The FFD also warned of possible flash flooding in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan, streams originating in Khyber Pa­­k­­tunkhwa and northern Balochistan, as well as other vulnerable catchment areas.

Urban flooding is also feared in several Punjab cities due to the forecast of intense rainfall. The areas at risk include Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Gujrat, Narowal, Lahore, Okara, Sahiwal and Faisalabad.

The FFD further said water flows were expected to increase in tributary streams of the River Jhelum, including the Dora, Dota, Dwara, Bhimber and Halsi nullahs. Similar increases are anticipated in the Aik and Palkhu nullahs, which feed the River Chenab, as well as the Bein, Basantar, Deg and Sukki nullahs associated with the River Ravi.

Reviewing the current hydrological situation, the FFD said the River Indus was flowing at low flood levels at Kalabagh, Chashma, Guddu and Sukkur. In contrast, the Ravi, Chenab, Jhelum and Sutlej rivers were currently flowing below the low flood level.

The division forecast that the Indus at Sukkur would remain in the low flood category at the upstream section over the next 24 hours. It also predicted flash flooding in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan, streams in KP and northern Balo­chistan, and parts of Punjab and Sindh.

For the next 24 hours, the FFD forecast widespread rain, wind and thunderstorms, with isolated heavy to very heavy falls over parts of Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan. It also expected scattered rain and thunderstorms, accompanied by isolated heavy falls, over the upper catchments of all major rivers, Islamabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and KP.

Highest rainfall in Pindi

Meanwhile, the PDMA reported widespread rainfall across Punjab during the past 24 hours. Rawalpindi received the highest rainfall at 95 millimetres, followed by Murree (85mm), Jauharabad (56mm), Multan (37mm), Bhakkar (31mm), Narowal and Noorpur Thal (27mm each), Khanewal (21mm), Chakwal (20mm), Gujranwala (12mm), Jhang (10mm) and Sargodha (8mm).

The PDMA urged citizens to observe safety precautions during the ongoing wet spell, advising parents to keep children away from rainwater drains, low-lying areas, rivers and canals to avoid accidents.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026

Dengue situation report released by Integrated Diseases Surveillance and Response System (IDS&RS) at Directorate General Health Services Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on weekly basis has been listing the only challenge it faces in connection with preventive activities regarding the vector-borne ailment that MTIs are not sharing line-lists with health department.

However, MTIs continue to ignore requests made by the department now and then to start sharing details of patients visiting OPDs with it. According to the latest report of IDS&RS, the provincial tally of dengue patients has reached 250 with Peshawar topping the list with 134 patients.

Health officials said that they were taking prompt action in the areas from where dengue cases were recorded due to which there was no cluster so far but only sporadic infections were recorded.

Health dept urges MTIs to share data of patients with it

“However, it can jeopardise the situation if MTIs continue its lacklustre response to requests about sharing patients’ information with the department,” they said. Health officials associated with anti-dengue efforts had held meetings with administration of MTIs but they did share the requested information with them.

So far, 1,354 suspected patients have been recorded and tested at Public Health Reference Lab (PHRL) of Khyber Medical University free of cost. The department has been providing free courier services in all districts for rapid transportation of suspected samples to PHRL to ensure that in case of infections, preventive measures are taken in a timely manner.

So far, 21 districts have reported infections including Peshawar having 134 dengue cases, Kohat 45, Bannu 14, Bajaur eight, Swabi and Mohmand six cases each, Karak five and Hangu, Dir Lower and Nowshera four cases each while the remaining districts had recorded one and two infections.

Officials said that sharing information by MTIs was desperately required to devise comprehensive strategy for elimination of virus. According to them, their workers have mechanically destroyed larvae found in 392 houses of the total 279,062 sites inspected by surveillance staff and 914 containers out of one million whereas 182 outdoor places laced with larvae have also been chemically sprayed.

Experts say that Peshawar has been the mainstay of dengue virus as it reports cases every year. Bulk of dengue cases in the past were reported at MTIs which used to share information with the department enabling the latter to take preventive measures, such as carrying out spray and testing the close contacts of infected people.

“MTIs have also been testing patients with dengue symptoms on payment and those tested positive are sent back to home where they can spread the disease,” they said.

Experts said that Peshawar was home to mosquitoes, the carrier and transmitter of dengue, due to which the chances of spread of the ailment was higher. “When a mosquito bites an infected person then it becomes source of transmission to others, due to which the department requires all details about cases, their address etc so that preventive measures could be started,” they said.

As there is excessive power outages, so the chances of mosquito bites are more and people stay exposed to the virus.

Officials in health department say that they held 66,869 sessions where they educated people regarding the causes and prevention of dengue. They said that 287,418 women and 75,229 men attended the sessions. “However, we need information to start such sessions in the infected areas. We heavily bank on MTIs as far as Peshawar is concerned,” they added.

Otherwise, situation could go 2017’s way when Peshawar recorded 70 deaths and 60,000 dengue cases and hospitals were overcrowded with patients, most of them were treated in corridors for want of space, they said.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026

Sources familiar with the development told Dawn that senior lawyers Syed Zulfiqar Abbas Naqvi, Barrister Qazi Adil Aziz, Akhtar Cheena and Chaudhry Manzoor Ahmed Jajja are vying for the post of the federal prosecutor general.

Although Mr Nihang has yet to be formally denotified, the process of identifying his successor has gathered pace within official circles.

Sources said Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi was expected to make the final decision on the appointment once Mr Nihang is relieved of his present office.

The issue assumed significance after Chaudhry Manzoor Ahmed Jajja, who was appointed Special Prosecutor on July 23, was given the look-after charge of the federal prosecutor general’s office on July 28.

The arrangement, however, triggered controversy within the prosecution department. The district prosecutor, regarded as the senior-most officer after the federal prosecutor general, approached the Ministry of Interior, arguing that a special prosecutor could not legally be entrusted with the administrative charge of the office since such appointments are ordinarily made for specific cases rather than regular administrative responsibilities.

Mr Nihang is among the 19 judicial nominees recommended by the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) for appointment as additional judges in the four high courts. However, the appointments have yet to materialise as President Asif Ali Zardari has not accorded assent to the recommendations, delaying the formal notification of the judges-designate.

Among the leading contenders, Syed Zulfiqar Abbas Naqvi is a well-known criminal lawyer associated with the Rawalpindi District Bar Association. He served as special prosecutor in the high-profile Cipher case against former prime minister Imran Khan alongside Barrister Umair Majeed Malik.

Interestingly, Barrister Malik is himself awaiting presidential approval after the JCP recommended his appointment as an additional judge of the Islamabad High Court.

Another prominent candidate, Barrister Qazi Adil Aziz, has previously served as both member and vice chairman of the Islamabad Bar Council. His candidature has reportedly been endorsed by the Islamabad District Bar Association, the Islamabad High Court Bar Association and the Islamabad Bar Council. He also remained associated with the law firm of Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani of the Islamabad High Court and former Lahore High Court judge Chaudhry Abdul Aziz.

Advocate Akhtar Cheena is also under consideration, although sources described him as relatively junior to some of the other candidates.

Meanwhile, questions have also been raised over Mr Jajja’s eligibility for permanent appointment, as he reportedly does not fulfil the statutory minimum age requirement of 45 years prescribed for the office of the federal prosecutor general. Despite holding the look-after charge, officials said the age criterion could become a decisive factor when the government makes the final appointment.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026

“Delayed diagnoses, hazardous air quality, and chronic supply shortages of vital oncology medicines are collectively undermining cancer care across the country,” the association said in a message released on Saturday in connection with World Lung Cancer Day 2026.

This year, the day is being observed globally under the theme ‘Together Through Lung Cancer’.

The PMA identified key factors fueling the lung cancer epidemic in Pakistan: widespread use of combustible cigarettes, gutka, naswar and unregulated vaping products remains the primary driver of lung and oral malignancies.

PMA seeks national health emergency declaration over escalating lung cancer burden

It added that unregulated vehicular and industrial emissions, hazardous smog and particulate pollution in major urban centres are now recognised as primary environmental carcinogens.

Highlighting Pakistan’s cancer statistics, the association said the country currently records over 185,000 new cancer cases across all categories annually, with lung cancer ranking among the most fatal malignancies, particularly among men,” the association stated.

Drawing attention to national health trends, the PMA highlighted alarming clinical observations: “Approximately 78 per cent of lung cancer patients in Pakistan present at advanced stages (Stage III or IV), severely restricting curative treatment options and driving a high mortality-to-incidence ratio”.

Sharing its concern over urban factors contributing to the disease, it said that up to 30pc to 40pc of urban cases now occur in individuals with no personal smoking history, pointing to severe environmental hazards as a leading factor in the development of the disease.

According to the association, the misattribution of early lung cancer symptoms (such as persistent cough and shortness of breath) to endemic conditions like tuberculosis frequently delays proper oncological workups by crucial months.

To curb rising mortality rates and ensure equitable patient care through immediate policy action, the association demanded that the government establish a unified, mandatory cancer registry to accurately track epidemiological data, identify high-risk areas, and allocate healthcare resources effectively.

The association called for urgent federal intervention by the Ministry of Health and the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan to resolve “ongoing market shortages of essential oncology and diagnostic therapies, ensuring patients are not forced to rely on unregulated or smuggled alternatives”. It also demanded the introduction of low-cost or state-subsidised screening programmes at public tertiary hospitals for high-risk populations to ensure early detection, as well as the strict enforcement of ambient air quality standards for vehicles and industries.

“We need to strictly implement tobacco control laws in public spaces and in and around educational institutes. Expand provincial public health coverage programmes to include molecular profiling, targeted therapies, and modern immunotherapies for lung cancer patients”, it said.

The association also emphasised the need to benefit from the advancements currently underway in cancer treatment.

“Pakistani patients cannot benefit from early detection or modern therapies if basic diagnostic pathways and medicine supply chains remain fragmented. We call upon both the public to take persistent respiratory symptoms seriously and the government to prioritise oncology infrastructure in the national health budget,” it said.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026

Addressing a press conference at the party’s Bahadurabad headquarters alongside senior leaders, MQM-P Chairman Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said the country’s existing political and administrative structure had failed to meet public needs and required fundamental reforms.

“Provinces are not sacred or immutable boundaries. If new administrative provinces are not created, the country cannot move forward,” Mr Siddiqui said, adding that administrative reorganisation should be viewed as a governance measure rather than a political controversy.

Accompanied by senior leaders Dr Farooq Sattar and Nasreen Jalil, he said the party believed Pakistan’s leadership should shift from hereditary political elites to the descendants of the country’s founders and the educated middle class.

“To save Pakistan from decline and put it on the path of progress, the reins of leadership must be entrusted to the ideological heirs of the founders of the nation and the capable middle class, rather than to traditional feudal and dynastic elites,” he said.

Dr Siddiqui maintained that creating new provinces would strengthen the federation by bringing government closer to the people. Commenting on Sindh, he claimed that a transparent population census would significantly alter the province’s political landscape.

Dr Sattar called for the implementation of Article 140-A of the Constitution, which provides for the devolution of political, administrative and financial responsibility to elected local governments.

He also demanded a countrywide referendum on the creation of new administrative units.

Dr Sattar said that Pakistan needed to move beyond decades of temporary and ad hoc policymaking and instead pursue structural reforms that empowered local governments and provided greater opportunities for young people to participate in national leadership.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026

LAHORE: Pakistan’s first woman boxer to win a Commonwealth Games medal believes she could have won gold had she enjoyed the same standard of training facilities and resources as her international rivals.

“I am happy to become the first Pakistani woman boxer to win a medal at the Commonwealth Games. The competition was extremely tough. Almost all my rivals had been training in the United States,” Fatima Zehra told Dawn from Glasgow, where she settled for a bronze medal after losing her semi-final bout to Canada’s Marie-Bathoul Al-Ahmadieh.

The 22-year-old boxer from Sargodha said her primary target before leaving for Glasgow was to secure a medal, though she had also hoped to reach the final.

“Before arriving in Glasgow, my target was to win a medal and I was also hoping to win the semi-final. But my opponent was too fast and had vast international experience, making her a very difficult rival,” said Fatima, who represents Pakistan Army at the domestic athletics circuit.

“Although I could not meet my expectations of reaching the final, I am still happy with the bronze medal because it was not easy to achieve it against such strong competition,” she added.

“The competitions were too tough as every boxer was well prepared and I learnt a lot from it as I also watched many other bouts,” she said.

Fatima added that many countries, including India, held their training camps in the United States, unlike Pakistan, which conducted all its preparations at home.

“The credit for this medal goes to my department, the Pakistan Army, the Pakistan Boxing Federation and my coach Raheel Adnan, who supported and guided me throughout my preparations for the Games,” she said.

Asked what support she expected from the government to help her improve further, Fatima stressed the need for better facilities and greater international exposure.

“World-class training and coaching facilities at home, along with maximum international exposure through overseas competitions, can change the fortunes of Pakistani athletes, including me,” she said.

“There is a huge difference between the sporting environment available in Pakistan and that in other countries. Unless our athletes receive top-quality training and regularly compete internationally, it will be difficult for us to develop the standard required to succeed at the highest level.

“It is the government’s responsibility to provide maximum support in this regard.”

Fatima, who competed in the women’s 60kg category, said her next target was the Asian Games, scheduled to be held in Japan in September.

“I also won a bronze medal at the 2025 Islamic Games in Saudi Arabia, and now my focus is on performing well at the Asian Games,” she said.

“The challenge of the Asian Games is also a big one but the experience I obtained from Glasgow will help me a lot to show better results in Japan,” she said.

Fatima revealed that boxing runs in her family, with her two sisters, Dua and Aiman, as well as her younger brother Naday Ali, also involved in the sport.

Recalling how she took up boxing, Fatima credited her coach Raheel for discovering her talent.

“All the credit goes to my coach Raheel, who spotted my potential as a boxer,” she said.

“Initially, my family did not support my decision, which is quite common in Pakistan. After competing at the Punjab level, I had to quit boxing because my family was unhappy with my sporting career. However, my coach Raheel convinced them to let me return to the ring.”

“Alhamdulillah, my family is now fully supportive and has also allowed my two sisters to pursue boxing.”

Fatima secured the historic bronze medal after defeating New Zealand’s Jordan Wilson 5-0 in the quarter-finals. Under the competition rules, both losing semi-finalists are awarded bronze medals.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026

The judge of a special court for control of narcotic substances, Kamran Atta Soomro, found Amjad and Hassan Siddiqui guilty of carrying over 26 kilograms of hashish in October 2023 at a Gulshan-i-Maymar locality.

The lawyers for the accused persons argued that their clients were innocent and had been framed with mala fide intention and ulterior motives as the alleged recovery was foisted upon them.

They also contended that the accused persons did not know each other and never came into contact while no private person has been made a witness in the case and there were material contradictions in the evidence of prosecution witnesses, making the case doubtful.

A prosecutor of the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) argued that the witnesses had fully supported the case of the prosecution and both accused were apprehended at the spot and they had voluntarily produced 22 packets of narcotic wrapped in yellow tape.

After recording evidence and hearing both sides, the special court pronounced its judgement and observed that the accused persons have failed to bring anything on record to show any enmity, ill will or mala fide on the part of complainant or other witnesses to falsely implicate them in the case.

“All the witnesses were cross examined by learned defence counsel at length, but nothing could be brought on record, which can create dent in prosecution case,” it added.

According to the prosecution, the ANF had received spy information about delivery of a huge quantity of drugs and they had arrested them at the spot when they were exchanging hashish and recovered 22 packets from a bag and each packet contained 1,200 grams.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026

KARACHI: Pakistan Peoples Party Sindh President Nisar Ahmed Khuhro on Saturday demanded the resignation of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, accusing him of undermining the Constitution by “endorsing a hybrid system”, declaring that the country’s democratic system of governance had collapsed and calling for creation of new provinces.

The demand by the provincial chapter of the PPP came two days after the interior minister held a meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari at Bilawal House and discussed the overall political and law-and-order situation in the country. Later, he spoke at the Pakistan Economic Summit in Islamabad the same day, where he said the current ‘system’ of governance had “collapsed” and stressed the need for more provinces in the country.

Speaking at a press conference in Karachi, the senior PPP leader said the interior minister had no moral or constitutional justification to continue to remain in office after questioning the country’s democratic system.

“If the federal interior minister believes that the democratic system has failed and openly praises a hybrid system, then he has no business sitting in Parliament or remaining in the federal cabinet,” Mr Khuhro said. “He should resign from his post.”

Khuhro says interior minister damaging military’s reputation

Flanked by PPP Sindh General Secretary Waqar Mehdi, PPP-Karachi President and Labour Minister Saeed Ghani and other party leaders, Mr Khuhro rejected recent discussions about creating new provinces.

“Constitution clearly lays down the procedure for altering provincial boundaries.” He explained that no new province could be established without a two-thirds majority resolution passed by the provincial assembly concerned.

“The Constitution is crystal clear. A new province cannot be created unless the provincial assembly concerned approves it with a two-thirds majority. There is no such demand or constitutional process underway in Sindh,” he said.

Referring to the past, the PPP leader said that the Punjab Assembly had previously passed a resolution supporting the creation of a new province.

“If anyone wants to create a new province, they should first implement the proposal in Punjab. Sindh has no need for another province,” he added.

He warned against what he described as unconstitutional narratives, saying Pakistan could not afford any extra-constitutional experiment and that democratic continuity remained the only solution to the country’s political and economic challenges.

“The country cannot bear another unconstitutional adventure. The supremacy of the Constitution and continuity of democracy are the only guarantees for Pakistan’s stability,” he said.

The PPP leader also accused the interior minister of dragging the armed forces into political debate despite the military’s stated commitment to remaining apolitical.

“By repeatedly invoking the name of armed forces for political purposes, the interior minister is damaging both democracy and the reputation of the military,” Mr Khuhro said.

Criticising the proposals for creating as many as 22 provinces, he questioned how the country’s fragile economy could sustain the financial burden of additional provincial governments, chief ministers and bureaucratic structures.

Recalling constitutional and political history of the country, he said repeated military interventions, the dissolution of elected governments and the misuse of constitutional provisions had weakened democratic institutions.

He said that only constitutional supremacy and uninterrupted democracy could address the country’s longstanding problems.

Responding to a question, Mr Khuhro said Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan Chairman Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui had no reason to fear from MQM leader Mustafa Kamal.

He also said the issue of the Jalalpur Canal was pending before the Council of Common Interests (CCI) and would be raised whenever the council convenes.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026

HYDERABAD: A portion of Gangaram Nivas building — a heritage site at Holmstead Hall — adjacent to the Mukhi House Incline collapsed as Hyderabad, like many other cities and towns of the interoir Sindh, received a moderate spell of monsoon rain on Saturday evening.

No one was injured by the fall of the debris, which fell on the street that runs parallel to the rear outer wall of the building.

Soon after the incident, access to the locality housing the building was closed to people till the removal of the debris. Panic gripped the area as the debris fell with a thud.

Assistant Commissioner City Noor Hussain said that a small upper part of building collapsed amid a dust storm and rainfall.

Shops and godowns located in the building were closed to avoid any loss, he said.

A Culture department official, Rukunul Din Qureshi, said that shops were sealed so that debris could be removed. No residence is located in the building, he said.

The first rainfall of the current monsoon in Hyderabad city broke a long spell of severe heat. It was followed by massive power breakdown the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (Hesco) region as the dust storm preceded rain.

People have been experiencing severe heat since June.

Atmosphere on Saturday remained suffocating until the rainfall brought a pleasant change in the weather.

The Met office at the airport recorded 10mm rain and its city office 5mm rain. The highest temperature at the airport office was recorded at 40.2 degree Celsius and the city office at 40 degree Celsius.

The dust storm that started at 5:40pm persisted till 6:10pm with a speed of 40 nautical miles. Its speed was recorded at 30 nautical miles northeast at the airport office, starting at 5:50pm and ending at 6:05pm.

The city remained without power supply since 5:45pm till late in the evening.

A Hesco spokesman confirmed that due to rainfall and dust storm, 355 feeders out of 722 remained without power supply. In Hyderabad, 157 11kV feeders out of 166 remained without electricity. He said that restoration work would begin once rain stopped. He advised consumers to observe precautions on roads and streets during rain to avoid electrical shock.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026

According to sources, the driver of the bus lost control while traveling on the M2 Motorway near the Bhera interchange and collided with a van parked on the roadside for a tyre change. As a result, the driver lost control and the bus overturned.

As many as 13 people, including Raees, Mukhtar, Muhammad Sami, Faizan Ijaz, Ali Waris, Qamar Zulfiqar, Mahmood Hassan, Tasavur Ijaz, Nadeem, Zaheer Ahmed, Usman Ali, Shoaib and Muhammad Iqbal, were injured.

Rescue 1122 provided immediate medical assistance and shifted five seriously injured persons to the hospital and the police were investigating.

BEAUTIFICATION: The Sargodha deputy commissioner has expressed concern over the poor planning and use of substandard material used in the beautification of two bazaars of the city where pavements between the roads caved in and rainwater entered the basement of shops after the recent rains.

When this correspondent contacted the DC office, it was disclosed that no leniency whatsoever would be shown in any malpractice and the DC was determined to ensure completion of the beautification project with high-quality materials and any deficiency found in the planning would be redressed.

Meanwhile, Sargodha Division Commissioner Hafiz Shaukat Ali, along with additional deputy commissioner , Wasa managing director, Highway executive engineer, municipal corporation chief officer and others visited various areas of the city.

On this occasion, the ongoing beautification projects in the city, road improvement, sanitation, drainage system and other civic amenities were reviewed.

The commissioner inspected the ongoing development works at various places in the city, including the Sillanwali disposal station, Eidgah disposal station, City Road beautification, Shaheen Chowk and directed the concerned officers to complete all the projects with high-quality material within the stipulated time.

He directed Wasa officials to ensure prompt drainage of rainwater in low-lying areas during the monsoon, keep all disposal stations functional at full capacity and take immediate action on any complaint. He directed the MC chief officer to ensure cleanliness, remove encroachments and take measures for beautification along the roads in the city.

ROOF COLLAPSE: Two siblings, 18-year-old Samin Ashraf and 20-year-old Farwa Ashraf were seriously injured after the roof of a room collapsed in Sargodha city.

According to details, the roof of a room built with TR girders in a house in Moradabad Colony Gali 12 of Sargodha city suddenly collapsed at midnight after heavy rain.

The two siblings were seriously injured after being buried under the debris. They were rescued and shifted to a private hospital.

FLOODS: As a result of heavy rain and increase in the water level in Chenab and Jhelum rivers, the banks along both rivers have been flooded and more damage is expected to crops and residents of these areas.

According to Rescue 1122, as many as three dozen people had been safely evacuated from the affected areas. Transport facilities had been provided to take the evacuees to safer areas.

Rescue 1122 said that three flood response mock exercises have already been conducted to further improve inter-agency coordination and preparedness for any potential flood emergency.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026

The PPP has repeatedly called for the establishment of a truth and reconciliation commission amid protests in AJK.

Over the past month, the regional administration and the JAAC have been at odds over various issues — most notably the committee’s demand to abolish the 12 seats in the region’s Legislative Assembly reserved for refugees from Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir who settled in mainland Pakistan after 1947, which has resulted in protests across the region.

In a post on X, Bilawal welcomed the group’s “willingness to engage with the proposed commission” as a possible institutional mechanism to address the crisis, noting that the proposal had also been endorsed by the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.

The PPP chairman maintained that his “foremost priority” is to help bring an end to the “ongoing crisis” and provide relief to the region’s people and restore normal life in AJK as “soon as possible”.

“The loss of every precious life is a national tragedy.”

Bilawal said he would now consult AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, who would seek initial input from the federal government and other relevant stakeholders to determine whether there was sufficient common ground to move forward with a mutually agreed proposal.

Earlier, Bilawal said he had been campaigning for the formation of the commission for the past month.

Addressing a public gathering of party workers in Muzaffarabad earlier this week, the PPP chairman said: “It is necessary that during these historic elections, we restore peace and maintain fairness and transparency. To honour the future of Kashmir and Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir, this is not about anyone’s victory or defeat. The state and the protesters will have to accept this recommendation from the PPP.”

The region’s legislative assembly had also endorsed a resolution asking for the establishment of an independent reconciliation commission to investigate the violence and pave the way for a negotiated settlement.

JAAC ban

The regional government on June 5 declared the JAAC a proscribed organisation and placed it under the First Schedule of the region’s anti-terrorism act.

The notification by AJK’s Home Department said the group was “engaged in terrorism” and acted in a manner “prejudicial to peace and security” of the state.

It further stated that JAAC was involved in “creating anarchy in the state by intimidating public, promoting hatred and creating a sense of insecurity in society and public at large etc”.

Following the ban, local authorities launched a crackdown against the organisation, arresting scores of its leaders and activists from different areas.

In a televised press conference on July 28, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar alleged the involvement of militant elements within JAAC, adding that they were pursuing a foreign agenda and backed by Indian funding.

The information minister reiterated claims made earlier in the day by the region’s information secretary and a senior police official that a significant number of protesters participating in the proscribed JAAC demonstration in AJK were affiliated with Fitna Al Khawarij.

According to the CTD spokesperson, the teams conducted 419 intelligence-based operations in separate districts of the province and interrogated 422 suspects. Out of them, 54 suspects belonged to banned organisations, including Daesh, Al Qaeda subcontinent, Lashkar-i-Jhangvi, Sipah-i-Sahaba, and Fitna-al-Khawarij.

The spokesperson said five of these militants belonged to RAW. Two of them identified as Waris Khan and Danish Ali were arrested from Lahore and three others – Roz Ali Khan, Wallayat Shah and Muhammad Aziz – from Okara.

While other suspects were arrested in IBOs conducted in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Jhelum, Sargodha, Mianwali, Bhakkar, Sahiwal, Mandi Bahauddin, Pakpattan, and Bahawalpur.

The CTD also claimed to have recovered 7,900 gram explosive material, 12 IEDs, 50 detonators, 98-foot safety fuse, two pistols, three rifles, huge quantity of bullets, 120 pamphlets, 72 banned books, 31 banned magazines, 112 stickers, two flags, a receipt book, eight mobile phones and Rs339,880 in cash.

The spokesperson said during the last eight weeks, local police and intelligence agencies jointly conducted 13,572 combing operations and inspected 494,642 persons. And 1,103 of them were arrested and 1,070 cases were registered under different charges.

ENCOUNTER: The Lodhran Crime Control Department (CCD) claimed on Saturday to have killed a proclaimed offender involved in kidnapping for ransom and contract killing in an alleged encounter.

CCD spokesperson said a team was present in Lodhran to arrest proclaimed offenders when the suspected robbers opened fire at them. The CCD team, wearing bullet proof jackets and helmets, remained safe and retaliated.

Resultantly, one of the suspects suffered gunshot wounds and fell on the ground while his accomplices fled the scene. The suspect was found dead by the team after some time, CCD claimed.

The deceased was identified as Naeem Klasin of Multan and was a proclaimed offender in 28 cases, including murder, robbery with murder, ransom and contract killing.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026

The family of the child had claimed that on June 30 five-year-old Mohsin, who had been brought to the THQ Hospital for a routine check-up, died as a result of staff negligence after an untrained private individual administered an anti-vomiting injection to the child.

According to the three-member inquiry committee constituted by the Health CEO, a copy of the findings is available with Dawn, Dispenser Abdul Razzaq and Midwife Shazia Anwar had been held responsible for the incident.

The inquiry committee found the duo guilty of misconduct, inefficiency and poor performance, stating that when the patient arrived at the hospital at 9:40am on June 30, the junior technician/dispenser failed to manage the emergency patient, resulting in his death.

It further said that Medical Officer Dr Rizwanullah gave Midwife Shazia three Gravinate injections to administer to Mohsin and his sister. However, when she arrived at the emergency ward, she handed one shot to a private trainee and instructed him to administer it to the patient. The trainee administered the injection directly to the youngster without diluting the infusion, which caused the death.

Based on the committee’s findings, Health CEO Dr Shaukat Ali ordered action against both officials under the Peeda Act and suspended them for 90 days and a formal departmental probe had been launched against them.

Meanwhile, the Health secretary has promptly removed Dr Hasnain Shah from his position as the MS of the THQ Hospital and made him a medical officer at Pind Dadan Khan (Jhelum).

According to health sources, this transfer occurred as a result of the incident.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026

RAWALPINDI: The spillways of Rawal Dam were opened on Saturday after the key water reservoir filled to capacity following heavy rains in its catchment areas.

On the contrary, the water level in Khanpur Dam was still 50 per cent of the total storage capacity.

The spillways of Rawal Dam were opened for five hours from 6am to 11am to drain excess water after the water level rose to 1,748 feet. It was the first time this monsoon season that the spillways were opened.

Small Dam Organisation official told Dawn that sirens were blown for 30 minutes before opening the spillways so people residing along the Korang Nullah could refrain from fishing and bathing in the downstream because of the release of a large amount of water from the lake, as it could be dangerous.

However, he said that the officials caught a man swimming in the water while Rescue officials and administration remained alert to deal with any untoward situation.

Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) Managing Director Azizullah Khan told Dawn that in the current monsoon spell, the dam filled for the first time and it will be adequate water supply to Rawalpindi till the winter season.

He said that the current water level is 1,748 feet and the maximum capacity of the dam is 1,952 feet.

He added that last year, the dam filled more than 10 times during the monsoon season. “Once it fills, the water will be sufficient till winter rains,” he said.

He said that at present, the water is enough for 85 days to fulfil the twin cities’ requirements of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. He said that less rain fell in the catchment areas of Khanpur Dam. However, he expected more rain until August 5 in the upper parts of the twin cities, which would increase the water level in the dams and the underground water table.

The twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad rely on water from three main dams, Rawal, Simly and Khanpur. Rawalpindi city and Cantonment get water from Rawal and Khanpur dams, while Islamabad gets water from Simly and Khanpur dams. The remaining water requirements are met through tube wells.

In Rawalpindi, there are more than 500 tubewells in the city and 200 in the cantonment areas. A water shortage will occur in the cantonment areas and Islamabad in the coming days if rain does not fall in the catchment areas of Khanpur Dam. It may be mentioned here that at present the water demand of the city, having a population of about 1.5 million, is 68 MGD.

The total extraction from these sources is 51 MGD (35 from tubewells and 16 MGD from the dams). There is a deficit of 17 MGD in the current year, and it is likely to increase to 34 MGD by 2030.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026

The chief minister accorded a warm welcome to the visiting delegation, which comprised prominent business leaders representing the medical, minerals, manufacturing, information technology, industry, hospitality, energy, electronics and marketing sectors.

During the meeting, both sides agreed to further promote mutual investment, strengthen economic ties and expand sustainable trade partnerships between the Punjab government and the US business community.

The delegation invited Maryam Nawaz to visit the United States, which she accepted.

The delegation was given a detailed briefing on the PIVOT programme. The chief minister also apprised the visiting business leaders of the reforms introduced by the Punjab government to facilitate ease of doing business and improve the investment climate.

The two sides explored various economic opportunities aimed at promoting investment and enhancing bilateral partnership between Punjab and the United States.

Ms Nawaz also expressed keen interest in acquiring home dialysis machines to further improve healthcare services in the province.

The delegation expressed interest in cooperation in shrimp farming. Secretary SIFC Jameel Qureshi briefed the delegation on matters relating to investment and collaboration.

The delegation observed that Pakistan possessed one of the world’s youngest populations with enormous potential that should be fully utilised.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026

The protest, organised by Shangla Coal Mine Workers Association (SCMWA), coincided with the arrival of the victims’ bodies from Balochistan.

A number of people gathered at Bada Gata before accompanying the bodies to their native villages for burial.

The demonstrators accused the mining company of negligence and urged the Balochistan government to conduct a fair investigation into the incident that claimed 34 lives.

Carrying placards and chanting slogans, protesters criticised the area’s elected representatives, alleging that successive governments had failed to create employment opportunities in Shangla, forcing residents to seek work in hazardous coal mines in Balochistan.

They said unemployment had compelled generations of young men from the district to work under dangerous conditions to support their families, while recurring mining accidents continued to claim lives.

Twenty-six miners belonging to Shangla were laid to rest in their ancestral graveyards in the Mian Kalay, Kana and Bely Baba areas after their bodies were brought from Balochistan. Two others were likely to arrive on Saturday night. Emotional scenes were witnessed as several families buried more than one relative.

Addressing the gathering, SCMWA leaders Ali Bash Khan and former senator Rahat Hussain demanded that those responsible for negligence be held accountable.

They said repeated mining disasters had left dozens of families in Shangla without breadwinners and urged the federal and provincial governments to formulate policies to provide safer working conditions for miners and create alternative sources of employment in the district.

The speakers said Shangla remained one of the country’s most underdeveloped districts, where limited economic opportunities had forced a large number of residents to migrate to coalfields in Balochistan to earn a livelihood.

They also called for adequate compensation and long-term support for the families of the deceased miners.

Opposition Leader in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, Ibadullah Khan, MPA Abdul Munim and others, who were also present on the occasion, promised early compensation for the victims’ heirs.

Twenty-eight coal miners, who died in the mine incident in Quetta, were from the Shangla district, and 23 of them from Mian Kalay village.

Shangla has long been a major source of Pakistan’s coal mine workforce, with thousands of its residents employed in mines across Balochistan.

Fatal mining accidents have repeatedly claimed the lives of workers from the district, prompting recurring demands for improved safety standards and employment opportunities closer to home.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026

A statement issued here said the 9th session of the ERC was convened to review national preparedness and response during the current spell of monsoon rains.

The meeting was chaired via video link by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal.

Chairman NDMA and the Neoc team briefed the committee on the overall monsoon situation across the country.

The committee was presented with a comprehensive overview of recent monsoon-related incidents, including human and infrastructure losses, the status of ongoing rescue and relief operations, and progress on rehabilitation efforts in affected areas.

The committee was also specifically briefed on the flood situation that emerged following rainfall across various parts of the country, along with response measures undertaken by relevant federal, provincial and district authorities to manage the situation, protect vulnerable communities and ensure timely emergency response.

The Neoc also shared the latest hydrological outlook and forecast of associated hazards, highlighting that rainfall was expected over northern and central parts of the country, while isolated to scattered showers were also likely over southeastern Sindh.

In addition, the NDMA team briefed the committee on humanitarian response being coordinated with national and international humanitarian partners, including ongoing relief operations in affected areas.

The committee reviewed response measures undertaken by federal ministries, provincial governments and district administrations and acknowledged their efforts in safeguarding communities, conducting rescue operations, providing relief assistance and restoring essential services in affected areas.

The participants reiterated the importance of maintaining close coordination among all stakeholders to ensure a timely and effective response to any emerging situation.

The convener directed all concerned departments to sustain the current operational momentum, ensure uninterrupted coordination, continue proactive preparedness measures, and expedite relief and rehabilitation activities wherever required.

Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadik Masood Malik, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, Punjab Minister for Health and Emergency Services Khawaja Salman Rafique, chief secretaries of provinces and regions, Chairman NDMA, senior officials of relevant federal ministries, Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) and other response agencies participated through physical and virtual attendance.

Meanwhile, the District Administration on Saturday directed civic bodies to improve preparedness during the monsoon season to avoid flood-like situations in the coming days.

A review meeting of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) was chaired by Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) Tayyab Samee Khan to assess preparedness for the ongoing monsoon season and review arrangements for dealing with emergencies arising from heavy rainfall.

The meeting was attended by all assistant commissioners of the district, officials from Wasa, Rescue 1122, police, municipal departments and other relevant line departments.

The meeting reviewed the performance of various departments during the previous day’s monsoon rains, including drainage operations, emergency response measures and the overall situation at vulnerable locations across the district.

The additional deputy commissioner (revenue) directed that the 19 identified points must remain under constant surveillance, with machinery, field staff and officers readily available to ensure an immediate response in case of heavy rainfall. Tayyab Samee Khan emphasised that any negligence or delay in responding at these locations would be unacceptable.

He directed all departments to maintain close coordination and remain present in the field to ensure timely action and minimise inconvenience to the public.

He further stated that the police department had a vital role in maintaining smooth traffic flow, ensuring public safety and responding effectively during heavy rains. He stressed the need for an enhanced and more proactive police response to facilitate citizens and prevent any untoward incidents.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026

ISLAMABAD: Work on a new mega project — construction of a six-lane road in place of the existing service road east of Islamabad Expressway — has started in the capital.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi during a visit to the site directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to get the project completed on a fast track.

The 8.5km road is being developed from Faizabad to Gulberg Green with a flyover to connect it with the Expressway at Faizabad and an underpass at the junction of Letrar Road and Khanna Bridge.

Sources said the CDA’s planning wing will work to earmark a commercial strip along the service road to develop a new Blue Area type commercial area. They said the civic agency was expecting billions of rupees revenue from the auction of plots in this area.

Minister visits site, directs CDA to complete six-lane road along Expressway from Faizabad to Gulberg Green on fast track

The interior minister visited the project site and reviewed the ongoing development work.

“The Interior Minister directed the authorities to complete the project within a few months instead of the originally planned one-year timeline,” says a press release.

“There will be no compromise on the speed, quality, or transparency,” it said and added that upon completion the project will benefit dozens of residential communities and significantly reduce traffic congestion and pressure on the Islamabad Expressway.

“The project will make travel easier and faster for the residents of both Islamabad and Rawalpindi,” said the minister.

Expressing concern over the condition of the existing service road, Mr Naqvi remarked: “It is deeply disappointing to see the poor state of the old service road. No one would imagine that such a deteriorated road could be part of Islamabad.”

He said the development of every area of Islamabad and the provision of quality public facilities remained the government’s top priorities.

After the bidding process recently, the CDA awarded the work to M/S Leimar after it submitted 13pc below the notice inviting tender cost (NIT). The NIT cost of the project was Rs6 billion. Before starting work, CDA also shifted around 200 graves to other places to clear alignment of the road.

“As per PC-I the project completion time is one year. So frankly speaking if all out efforts are made then this project could be completed in 150 working days. This is a mega project which includes a flyover and underpass. This is not a simple service road but a dual road having six lanes both sides,” said an engineer of CDA. He, however, said that on the direction of the minister maximum efforts would be made to complete the project as soon as possible.

On site, a survey of the road has been completed and currently clearing work is being done before starting proper construction work while utility services are also being shifted.

Sources said the original right of way of the Expressway was 1200 feet and if a commercial area is developed, the right of way of the road will reduce.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026

Speaking to a delegation of journalists here on Saturday, he said recent incidents in Hangu and Dera Ismail Khan had highlighted the seriousness of the security situation.

Mr Kundi said the federal and provincial governments needed to work together, recalling that during the Pakistan Peoples Party government from 2008 to 2013, coordination between the two governments had helped conduct ‘effective’ counter-terrorism operations in Swat.

“Without coordination between the Centre and the province, operations against terrorism will face difficulties,” he said, adding that all political parties and security institutions needed to work together for restoring peace in the province.

Claims PPP has evidence of irregularities in AJK elections

The governor opposed dialogue with groups that had taken up arms against the state and did not recognise the country’s Constitution and laws.

He questioned how groups claiming to be fighting for an Islamic system could justify attacks on mosques, imambargahs and educational institutions.

Mr Kundi said Pakistan had an opportunity to attract greater investment if peace was restored in KP. “If we bring peace to our province, no power in the world can stop us from turning it into a developed region,” he said.

The governor said the PPP was not a supporter of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz government but stood with it on issues concerning state stability and democracy.

He said the party had chosen not to become part of the government or accept ministries, but had supported it where the interests of the state and democracy were involved.

Mr Kundi also criticised the federal and provincial governments over urban flooding following recent rains, saying the situation in major cities had exposed shortcomings in planning and drainage systems.

The governor also raised concerns over the role of federal ministers and the PML-N in the ongoing political activity surrounding elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

He said if the PML-N was genuinely serious about the Kashmir cause, political representation for AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan should be considered in the federal parliament.

Mr Kundi alleged that the PPP had evidence of irregularities affecting its candidates in the Kashmir elections and said the party would present the evidence before the relevant forums.

He criticised the involvement of federal ministers and the use of buses from Punjab in the election campaign, arguing that government resources should be transferred through institutional, government-to-government mechanisms rather than being presented as ‘political gifts’.

He said the PPP would welcome development projects in any part of the country, but stressed that such projects should be implemented through proper government procedures.

Referring to recent attacks in Manjhikhel and Hangu, Mr Kundi said terrorism was not confined to Dera Ismail Khan and Hangu, with security concerns also emerging in the southern districts, merged areas, Swat and Dir.

He called for intelligence-based operations across the province and said he would discuss the matter with the chief minister.

The governor said the KP government should address the police’s concerns and involve elected representatives and political parties in efforts to improve the security situation.

He maintained that issues involving the province’s financial and administrative interests, including the CNG and wheat issues, taxation in the Malakand division and funds owed by the federal government, should not be politicised.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026